Kalamazoo's Corner Bar & Grill closed for day-to-day business

Ted Yoakum / Kalamazoo GazetteA sign posted on the door of Corner Bar & Grill says the bar is now closed but it can be reserved for private parties.

KALAMAZOO — The Corner Bar & Grill, a long-standing establishment in Kalamazoo, has shut its doors for day-to-day operations.

The bar, which stands at the corner of East Vine and Mills streets, closed for regular business on Monday, though interested parties can reserve the venue for private parties and festivities.

"[The bar's] had a great run. We've had lots of great employees, lots of great memories over the years," said co-owner Scott Robinson. "Unfortunately, in today's tough economic times, it doesn't make sense for us to be open day-to-day."

While a number of factors played in role in the owners' decision to close the bar, a steep drop in liquor sales in recent months was the main factor in the closing, Robinson said.

"It's been really hard in the last year," he said.

Robinson and his business partner Stacey Lovett have owned the eatery for seven years. The structure, which was built in 1887, became the Corner Bar & Grill 35 years ago.

Robinson said they have a number of party reservations lined up for the next couple months, including those made by area doctors and Western Michigan University professors.

"It works better for us, to keep what we can around," he said. "It's important that the building itself stay alive."

The owners have had the restaurant on the market for nearly a year and half.

"The place might open up again; it most likely will," Robinson said. "It is a great place, and we will miss it dearly."